Regarding that affair, a sharp controversy has arisen between Manila and Macan, which is referred to the home government.  Don Fernando de Silva has left the islands, not without certain difficulties concerning bonds for his residencia, involving the governor’s right of jurisdiction—­which Tavora settles by the decision of common sense.  The bridge across the Pasig is nearly completed, and the cost of it has been met from the general fund of the Chinese residents, as has also the support of the hospital for their use.  On the arrival of the ships from Nueva Espana, the governor is disappointed at receiving so little from the viceroy, and implores the king for more reliable and permanent aid for the islands.  He is sending artillery to Mexico.  To this letter are appended a report of proceedings in the council convened to discuss relations with Japan, and various official acts regarding Fernando de Silva’s departure from the islands.

The Jesuit annalist for 1629-30 relates various affairs of war.  An expedition is sent against Jolo; but, their commander being wounded in an attack, the Spaniards are seized with a panic, and retreat without accomplishing much.  The Malays of Achen attack Malacca, and besiege it during four months; then help arrives opportunely, in an expedition headed by the viceroy of India.  The enemy are finally defeated, with loss of all their ships and artillery, and practically all their men killed or captured.  Soon afterward the viceroy is accidentally drowned, which puts an end to his plans of conquest.  The missionaries in Cochinchina are persecuted by superstitious natives.

The more important events in the colony’s affairs for 1630 are related in Tavora’s letters (July 30 and August 4).  The Japanese are still angry at the burning of their junk by the Spaniards, and talk of attacking the latter in both Formosa and Luzon; accordingly, Tavora has greatly strengthened the fortifications of Manila.  He has sent the usual relief to Ternate, but finds hostile Dutch ships there, and more reported as not far away.  He mentions the siege of Malaca, and other exploits of the Portuguese; also the unsuccessful expedition to Jolo.  Affairs in Cagayan are improving, and more of the revolted Indians are being subdued.  In the second letter Tavora recounts his difficulties with the auditors, who are sending secret despatches to Spain, commanding the royal officials to pay their salaries regardless of the governor’s orders, endeavoring to rule the Chinese, interfering in matters which do not concern them, and complaining against the governor’s acts and plans.  Tavora recounts these matters in detail, defending himself against the accusations made by the auditors, and stating his services to the crown.  At the end, he asks permission to resign his post as governor.